"Philippine President Vows Countermeasures Against Chinese Sea Aggression"

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has warned of countermeasures in response to what he calls dangerous attacks by the Chinese coast guard and suspected militia ships in the disputed South China Sea, stating that the Philippines will not be "cowed into silence." This comes amid escalating disputes between China and the Philippines in the contested waters, with both nations accusing each other of provocative moves. The United States has reiterated its commitment to come to the aid of the Philippines under a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty if Philippine forces come under armed attack, while China has warned Washington to stay away from what it says is a purely Asian dispute.